Regrets

3

*almost 3 years later*

Isabella's POV

"Thank you, have a nice day!" I wave off some customers as they exit the diner.

"Hey hot stuff, how you've been? Holding up okay without me here?" I roll my eyes and give Jake a hug. He just got back from a Caribbean cruise with his family.

" Actually we've been more productive without your shenanigans holding us back." I poke his chest as I tease him. "Yeah right, the only reason any girls come here is to get a look at me." He rolls his eyes then winks at me.

I've been working at this Café for two years. It took me a year to sort out my plans for myself and mourn my marriage. Sounds kind of cheesy I know. But it was  hard to find a job and this is all that's close by where I can walk from my apartment.

But I love working here. I love the people and the atmosphere. Everyone is so friendly. And ever since I started working here I've felt happy again. I feel wanted. And I'll admit it I do miss him but I wasn't happy and I want to be happy.

"Hey, Jake, girls come over here. I need to discuss something." I turn and head over to my manager Stacey. She is super sweet but a mama bear to us workers. She reminds me of an Italian mom. Especially with her Italian accent that you can pick up sometimes.

"Okay listen to me now. I've received some news from some associates that a new crime boss is in town. He's new to the game but holds a lot of power that's growing and he is very dangerous. So I want you guys to have rides home with each other and be careful."

" I've heard he's smoking hot!" Elle murmurs to the group huddle. "And he would kill you in a second if you looked at him the wrong way so don't get any ideas El."

"It's not like I would get a chance to look at him... unless..." we all turn to Stacey. She sighs and shakes her head. "Yes it's most likely he'll have a meeting here. So be respectful, and don't make eye contact. Most likely I'll be the one waiting on them so you won't get the chance too. Unless of course you are hosting and seating them at first."

Everyone returns to their jobs. I remain with Jake behind the dessert counter.

"Holy shit!"  "Language jake!" I nudged him.

He rolls his eyes at me. "Sorry 'mom'. It's just so badass that we will be so close to someone in the mafia."

"I don't know it's kind of terrifying. He could kill us so quickly and easily and get away with it. That's not something I would consider 'badass'".

"You're lame." I just roll my eyes at him.

"So what time do you get out of here Belle?"

"Actually i'm just about done. Stacey said I could leave 15 minutes early because I have something I need to do today. So I'm gonna head out now. Your turn." I playfully throw the towel I'm holding at him and it lands covering his face.

He pulls it off and sends me an annoyed look but he can't help but split his face into a wide grin. I wave at him as I head through the back door.

*****

"Well, Ms. Isabella I'm sorry but your insurance won't cover the medication that's best suited for you. But I can keep you on what you're on for now. You can pick up your refill on that and your anxiety medication in the pharmacy."

"Thank you, doctor." I exit his office. He's been godsend through all this. Very understanding about my Financial situation. But there's only so much you can do.

I have Arrhythmia also known as an irregular heartbeat. It's not serious but when put under a lot of stress and anxiety It flares up and I tend to pass out. Most people are able to treat it easily but the cheap insurance company I'm with won't cover it.